Historical treasures packed up for castle works

More than 1,300 historical objects have been removed from Walmer Castle ahead of a major conservation project.

English Heritage said its collections team spent four weeks packing and moving items including furniture, books, artworks, ceramics, glass, and the Duke of Wellington's bed, chair and famous boots.

The duke, described by English Heritage as victor at the Battle of Waterloo and "fashion icon", gave his name to the humble welly.

Items were removed from the castle ahead of a project costing more than £5.5m to repair the castle's ageing roof and protect the historic building for future generations. The work will also include repairs to windows, doors and other areas.

Neil McCollum, English Heritage's South of England director, said: "Packing up a house is stressful enough.

"Packing up a castle containing hundreds of years of history is another matter entirely.

"Every object has its own story, its own vulnerabilities and its own requirements when it comes to handling and storage."

He said about 1,365 objects had been moved, including around 250 paintings and prints, 285 books, 95 pieces of furniture, 110 textile items, and more than 500 ceramics, glass items and other objects.

The project is being supported by a £3.08m grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport's Museum Estate and Development Fund, administered by Arts Council England, plus other donations.

English Heritage said it was continuing to raise funds towards the overall cost of the scheme.

Walmer Castle was built in 1539-40 by Henry VIII in response to threats of invasion from Europe.

Since the 18th Century, it has been the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

The castle has close links to the Duke of Wellington, who served as Lord Warden and spent his final years there.

While the castle interiors will close during the work, visitors will still be able to explore the site's eight acres of gardens.

English Heritage said that admission prices had been reduced by 30% during the closure.

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